Add a touch of autumn to your bag or keys with this miniature crochet oak leaf and acorn, complete with decorative leaf lobes and a rounded cap.
An oak leaf with its rounded edges and a tiny acorn makes a lovely autumn-inspired crochet charm for keys, handbags, or backpacks. The leafy green shades and earthy browns give this miniature accessory a woodland feel, while its small size makes it a sweet handmade addition to your everyday essentials.
This tutorial walks you through each piece of the design, from shaping the oak leaf and its decorative lobes to crocheting the rounded acorn base and fitted cap. You’ll also learn how to stuff and join the crochet acorn, secure the hanging loop, and attach the finished pieces to keychain hardware.
Credit: Urooj Zafar
Materials & Tools Needed
The oak leaf and acorn use different yarn weights and hook sizes, so keep the supplies for each part separate as you work.
- Oak Leaf Yarn: Lightweight #3 acrylic yarn in leaf green or your favorite autumn shade.
- Oak Leaf Hook: 3.0 mm crochet hook (US Size 5).
- Acorn Base Yarn: Lightweight #4 acrylic yarn in brown or tan.
- Acorn Base Hook: 4.0 mm crochet hook (US Size 7).
- Acorn Cap Yarn: Lightweight #3 acrylic yarn in dark brown.
- Acorn Cap Hook: 3.0 mm crochet hook (US Size 5).
- Stitch Marker: To identify the beginning of the acorn base rounds.
- Keychain Hardware: For attaching the finished crochet pieces.
- Scrap Yarn: For stuffing the acorn.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in the ends.
Finished Size & Customization Ideas
The finished pieces are designed to create a miniature keychain charm.
- Oak leaf: Approximately 3-4 inches long.
- Acorn: Approximately 1.5 inches long.
Choose colors that reflect the season or suit your personal style. Leaf green with brown and tan gives the charm a natural woodland look, while rust, mustard, and olive green create a warmer autumn palette.
You can also experiment with your hook size to change the overall scale. A larger hook generally creates a looser, larger piece, while a smaller hook usually produces a tighter, smaller one. Keep the yarn weight in mind as well, since changing both the yarn and hook can affect how the leaf edge and acorn cap fit together.
Pattern Abbreviations & Terminology
The instructions use US crochet terminology.
- ch: Chain
- sl st: Slip stitch
- sc: Single crochet
- hdc: Half double crochet
- dc: Double crochet
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- rnd(s): Round(s)
- FO: Fasten off
How to Crochet an Oak Leaf and Acorn Keychain
Make the oak leaf first, then crochet the acorn base, cap, and hanging loop. Once the pieces are ready, join the acorn, attach the leaf, and secure everything to the keychain hardware.
1. Crochet the Oak Leaf
Use the lightweight #3 acrylic yarn and a 3.0 mm crochet hook. The leaf begins with a chain, with stitches worked along one side and then along the opposite side to form the basic shape.
Foundation Chain: Make a slip knot and ch 12.
Keep the chain relaxed so you can work into the individual chain loops without forcing your hook through them. The first chain next to the hook is skipped for the first side of the leaf.
Row 1: Base Side
Skip the first chain from the hook.
- Work 1 sc in each of the next 4 chs.
- Work 1 hdc in each of the next 4 chs.
- Work 1 dc in each of the next 2 chs.
You have now worked 10 stitches along this side: 4 sc, 4 hdc, and 2 dc. The remaining end chain is used to form the rounded tip.
Shape the Leaf Tip
In the very last chain, the 12th chain, work 6 dc into the same chain.
All six double crochets go into that single chain. This creates the rounded turn at the end of the leaf and allows you to continue working along the opposite side of the foundation chain.
Row 1: Opposite Side
Turn the work so you can use the unworked loops on the opposite side of the foundation chain. Follow this reverse sequence:
- Work 1 dc in each of the next 2 sts.
- Work 1 hdc in each of the next 4 sts.
- Work 1 sc in each of the last 4 sts.
This completes the basic leaf body. The two sides should meet around the rounded tip, with the taller stitches toward the wider part of the leaf and the shorter stitches toward the base.
Stitch-placement check: The listed counts fit the foundation chain when the first chain is skipped, the 10 stitches are worked along the first side, and the 6 dc are placed together in the final chain. If your work does not follow that path, check that you are working into the unused loops on the opposite side rather than back into the stitches already made.
Make the Leaf Stem
The stem is worked as a short chain with slip stitches returning toward the leaf.
- Ch 6.
- Skip the first chain from the hook.
- Work 1 sl st in each of the remaining 5 chs.
You should have 5 slip stitches. This makes a narrow stem that is firmer than a chain alone.
Add the Leaf Edge and Lobes
The decorative edge gives the leaf its lobed oak-leaf outline. The instructions below preserve the supplied stitch sequence. When a step says to work several stitches in the same stitch, place the whole group into that one base stitch.
- In the first sc stitch, work 1 sc.
- In the next stitch, work 2 dc, ch 2, and 1 sl st in the same stitch.
- In the next stitch, work 1 sl st.
- In the next stitch, work 1 sc.
- In the next stitch, work 1 hdc.
- In the next stitch, work 3 dc, ch 3, and 1 sl st in the same stitch.
- In the next stitch, work 1 sl st.
- In the next stitch, work 1 sc.
- In the next stitch, work 1 hdc.
- In the next stitch, work 1 dc.
- In the next stitch, work 2 dc, ch 2, and 1 sl st in the same stitch.
- In the next stitch, work 1 sl st.
- In the final base stitch before the tip, work 1 sc, 1 hdc, and 1 dc all in the same stitch.
The groups of double crochets and chain stitches form the raised points, while the slip stitches help define the dips between the lobes. Keep the stitches relaxed enough for the edge to lie naturally around the leaf body.
The supplied instructions say to repeat the opposing lobe and edge pattern symmetrically down the second half of the leaf, then fasten off and weave in the ends.
Important pattern clarification: The written instructions do not provide the exact stitch-by-stitch sequence for that mirrored half. The edge sequence above also does not identify enough base stitches to reconcile every listed step with the 10-stitch side of the foundation. It would therefore be misleading to invent a mirrored sequence or claim that the edge count has been verified. Check the original tutorial’s visual demonstration for the exact placement before treating the decorative edge as a complete standalone written pattern.
When the full edge has been verified and completed, FO and weave in the ends.
2. Crochet the Acorn Base
Switch to the brown or tan lightweight #4 acrylic yarn and a 4.0 mm crochet hook. The acorn base begins with a magic ring, increases to 12 stitches, and then continues for three even rounds.
Round 1
- Make a magic ring.
- Work 4 sc into the ring.
- Pull the ring closed.
Stitch count: 4 sts.
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around.
Each stitch receives two single crochets, increasing the count from 4 stitches to 8 stitches. Stitch count: 8 sts.
Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the round. Move the marker into the first stitch of each new round as you work.
Round 3: Repeat the following sequence around: [1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st].
Work one single crochet into the next stitch, then two single crochets into the stitch after that. Continue alternating these two actions around the round.
Stitch count: 12 sts.
Rounds 4-6: Work 1 sc in each stitch around for three rounds.
Do not increase in these rounds. Each round contains 12 single crochets, building the sides of the acorn base. Stitch count: 12 sts per round.
Finish and Stuff the Base
- Remove the stitch marker.
- Work 1 sl st in each of the next 2 sts to level the edge.
- FO, leaving a short tail.
- Lightly stuff the base with scrap yarn.
Keep the stuffing light at this stage. The base should hold a rounded shape without becoming too firm, because you will add a little extra filling before closing the acorn completely.
3. Crochet the Acorn Cap
Use the dark brown lightweight #3 acrylic yarn and a 3.0 mm crochet hook. The cap begins as a circle and expands in the second round.
Cap Round 1
- Make a magic ring.
- Ch 2.
- Work 12 dc into the ring.
- Pull the magic ring tight to close.
- Join with 1 sl st to the first dc.
Stitch count: 12 dc.
The written pattern includes ch 2 before the 12 double crochets. The stated count of 12 refers to the double crochets worked into the ring.
Cap Round 2
- Ch 2.
- Work 2 dc in every stitch around.
- Join with 1 sl st to the first dc.
- FO.
Work two double crochets into each of the 12 stitches from the previous round.
Stitch count: 24 dc.
This increase round creates a wider cap. Before assembly, check that it sits over the opening of the acorn base.
Make the Hanging Loop
Make a separate slip knot with the yarn used for the cap.
- Ch 10.
- Work 1 sl st into the first ch to form a loop.
- FO, leaving yarn tails long enough to secure the loop.
- Tie the loop securely through the center hole of the acorn cap.
Check the attachment before joining the cap to the base. The loop should be secure enough to support the small crochet charm during normal use.
4. Assemble the Acorn
With the base, cap, and hanging loop ready, join the two crocheted pieces.
Join the Cap to the Base
Position the cap over the opening of the stuffed acorn base. Center it so the cap sits evenly around the top.
Check that the cap covers the opening before beginning the seam. If one side sits lower than the other, adjust the position before you start joining.
Seam the Two Pieces Together
- Join the yarn with ch 1.
- Work sc through both layers, catching one stitch from the cap and one loop from the base.
- Continue around the circumference to join the pieces.
As you work, check that each joining stitch catches both layers. This helps the seam stay even and prevents gaps from forming around the edge.
Add the Final Stuffing
When a small gap remains before the opening is completely closed, insert a little extra scrap yarn inside the acorn.
Add only enough to plump up the shape. Too much stuffing may push the cap out of place or make the remaining stitches difficult to work.
Continue crocheting until the opening is closed.
Secure the Seam
Slip stitch into the first single crochet to secure the join. Fasten off and weave in all remaining ends.
Gently shape the acorn with your fingers, making sure the cap sits evenly over the base and the hanging loop remains firmly attached.
5. Attach the Oak Leaf and Keychain Hardware
Arrange the oak leaf beside the finished acorn, placing the leaf stem near the acorn cap for a natural autumn look. Attach both pieces securely to your keychain ring using the available hardware.
Check the connection points and make sure the leaf and acorn cannot easily pull loose. Weave in any remaining yarn ends and trim excess yarn before using the finished charm.
Helpful Finishing Tip: Keep the Leaf Lobes Defined
The decorative edge depends on the placement of the taller stitch groups, chain spaces, and slip stitches. Work slowly through this part so the points and dips remain distinct.
- For a raised point: Place all the specified stitches into the same base stitch when the instructions call for a group in one stitch.
- For a clear dip: Keep the slip stitch in its specified position instead of replacing it with a taller stitch.
- If the edge begins to twist: Pause and check the base stitch you are using. Pulling the yarn tighter will not correct a stitch placed in the wrong location.
- If the two sides look different: Check the original tutorial’s mirrored edge placement before changing stitch counts or adding stitches.
The basic leaf body and the acorn rounds have stated stitch counts, but the full decorative leaf edge still requires visual verification because the mirrored sequence is not fully written out in the supplied instructions. Confirming that section is the necessary final step before publishing the leaf as a fully reproducible written pattern.
A Small Crochet Charm for Autumn
The finished oak leaf and acorn bring together seasonal color, a textured leaf outline, and a rounded miniature acorn. Use green and brown yarn for a woodland-inspired look, or experiment with rust, mustard, and olive shades for a warmer fall palette. Once the leaf-edge sequence has been verified, the completed pieces can be joined into a handmade keychain for keys, a bag, or a backpack.
